The North Carolina National Guard has conducted new equipment training activities near Fort Bragg for six weeks to evaluate the latest model of the Textron-built RQ-7BV2 Shadow tactical unmanned aerial system.
The U.S. Army said Friday that the latest model features several upgrades which help meet NATO regulations on interoperability and communications security as well as allow for increased range and longer flight duration.
AAI Corp, a Textron subsidiary, develops the Shadow TUAS platform which offers force protection, reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition capacity for Brigade Combat Teams.
“The Shadow as a platform… gives us capabilities for our military intelligence company in support of the 30th Brigade,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Stephen Isaacs, commander of the North Carolina National Guard’s Detachment 1.
The Army noted that NET works to help soldiers to familiarize themselves with the new aircraft without time constrictions and limitations usually faced during drill weekends.
